The complexity of a modern enterprise means there’s no room for a one-size-fits-all approach to SAP transformation.
SAP has firmly established itself as a linchpin in the operational fabric of organizations, and few understand how they can transform their own, unique IT estate, while protecting years’ worth of customizations.
As a result, according to our commissioned research, well over half of enterprises (59%) admit to still relying on Excel spreadsheets for managing changes within SAP systems. A massive 88% of organizations agree that challenges related to deploying change often become insurmountable barriers in SAP-driven business transformation.
However, the significant majority (92%) of organizations recognize the imperative need for change. It’s just a matter of knowing what steps to take.
You can find our full research report on Embracing SAP Change to Power Business Transformation here, or read on to gain a snapshot of our findings.
Setting the business case
Step one – break free of the same old practice that’s delivered suboptimal results. The appetite for change is there, yet businesses are being held back by one thing: fear of the unknown.
Nearly all enterprises (96%) hold a fear of unintended consequences or disrupting critical business systems.
However, we only need to speak to those who have benefited from transformation to see the value waiting to be unlocked. Our research shows that the three main achievements from past transformations, according to enterprises, were increased sales (43%), improved customer satisfaction (42%), and greater profits (39%).
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Enterprises just need a clear plan of how to get there.
The business transformation blueprint
Step two – map it out. Organizations can transform with confidence by crafting a blueprint based on past projects to identify where efforts fell short and where the true value resided.
Senior leadership and SAP managers have reported on the key learnings from past SAP-driven business transformation:
- Costs exceeded budgets (53%)
- Took more time than expected (44%)
- Should have applied more automation (44%)
Learnings from previous projects are a gift. Hindsight is a wonderful thing – now is the time to use it to your advantage. Enterprises can go into transformation projects with their eyes wide open: meticulous planning, a clear timeline and sufficient investment in technology, such as automation, is the key to success.
Bringing transformation to SAP
Step three – take the leap. It’s true, SAP transformation is not without its challenges, but the rewards more than make up for it.
To help businesses in their journeys, we’ve collated the top three considerations deemed critical by the senior leaders and SAP managers we surveyed:
- Understand the impact of change: By setting clear objectives, defining roles and responsibilities, and establishing a well-structured roadmap, organizations can navigate the complexities of transformation more effectively.
- Automation and efficiency: Automation tools can enhance the analysis, deployment, and management of changes, significantly reducing the risk of errors and expediting the time to completion.
- Holistic integration: Integrating SAP with non-SAP technologies is essential. It enhances transparency, improves compliance handling, and ensures that the transformation effort aligns with the broader business strategy.
If you’re planning an SAP transformation project – or you’re in the middle of one – Basis Technologies is on hand to help at every stage.
